Sales at U.S. retailers rose 0.6% in March to end a streak of three straight declines, underscoring the improved financial picture of U.S. households and the resiliency of an economic expansion that could turn out to be the longest ever.

Economists polled by MarketWatch had forecast a 0.4% increase in sales. An Easter holiday that fell on the last weekend of the month helped to drive more traffic into stores.

Sales rose a smaller 0.3% last month if autos and gas are stripped out, the Commerce Department said Monday.

Auto dealers posted their best month since last September. Sales rose 2%. Internet retailers, pharmacies and stores that sell home furnishings were other big winners.

Sales fell 0.3% at gas stations to reflect a temporary drop in prices that has since been reversed.

Home centers, apparel outlets and department stores also saw a decline in sales.

Retail sales were expected to bounce back in the early spring after a pause in spending following the holiday season as Americans rebuilt their savings.

What™s likely to keep the spending going in the months ahead are rising incomes and recent tax cuts that have put more money in people™s pockets. Annual tax refunds are also giving the economy a shot in the arm.

The U.S. expansion will turn nine years old at the end of June and it shows no sign of slowing.

China Stocks Lower At Close Of Trade; Shanghai Composite Down 1.05%

Wednesday, 19 December 2018 14:52 WIB
China stocks were lower after the close on Wednesday, as losses in the Oil Equipment Services & Distribution, Software & Computer Services and Technology sectors led shares lower.
At the close in Shanghai, the Shanghai Composite lost 1.05%...